http://www.nextbillion.net/newsroom/2008/01/08/the-laptop-wars Comments for "The Laptop Wars" en http://www.nextbillion.net/newsroom/2008/01/08/the-laptop-wars#comment-20682 The article makes a very interesting point when questioning OLPC's distribution model and citing the example of the successful for profit models under which mobile telephones have flourished across Africa. Although I find it to be an interesting argument, the article fails to acknowledge one of the key elements that define the OLPC project, which is that its educational mission. "OLPC is an education project, not a laptop project", has said Mr. Negroponte. This distinction poses a dilemma regarding the ideal distribution model for the XO laptops, both in developing countries where they are aimed and among children who are getting them from parents in the U.S. and other places where the "Give one, get one" program was rolled out. OLPC faces the challenge of building an innovative cross sector distribution channel for its remarkable product. Local Governments must play a key role ensuring that the laptop's contents are coherent with the country's educational goals. Private enterprise, on the other hand, must design an effective BoP distribution model that fulfills the program's goals in terms of outreach and sustainability. I believe laptops can play a huge role in bridging the educational gap between developing economies. Hopefully, OLPC an other similar projects will keep thriving to adjust the business models details that allow them to fulfill their visionary goals. <br class="clear" /> Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:08:50 -0500 Francisco comment 20682 at http://www.nextbillion.net http://www.nextbillion.net/newsroom/2008/01/08/the-laptop-wars <div class="flexinode-body flexinode-4"><span class="flexinode-timestamp-13"> January 8, 2008 - 11:00, </span> <span class="flexinode-textfield-14"> Economist.com</span> <div class="flexinode-textfield-15"> The laptop wars</div><br> <div class="form-item"> <label>Story Link:</label> <a href="http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10489616">http://www.economist.com/business/displaystory.cfm?story_id=10489616</a> </div> <div class="flexinode--41"> <strong>Teaser: </strong><br /> <em>Will charity or profit end the digital divide?</em><br /> <br /> When a plan to create a $100 laptop was announced three years ago at the World Economic Forum, it seemed like a stroke of genius. Here was an opportunity for the global business elite gathered in Davos to show they had a heart, and to do so in a genuinely useful way—by developing a cheap way to bridge the digital divide and extend the benefits of the IT revolution to millions of children in the developing world.<br class="clear" /></div> <div class="flexinode-textarea-6"> <em>Will charity or profit end the digital divide?</em><br /><br />When a plan to create a $100 laptop was announced three years ago at the World Economic Forum, it seemed like a stroke of genius. Here was an opportunity for the global business elite gathered in Davos to show they had a heart, and to do so in a genuinely useful way—by developing a cheap way to bridge the digital divide and extend the benefits of the IT revolution to millions of children in the developing world.<br class="clear" /></div> </div> http://www.nextbillion.net/newsroom/2008/01/08/the-laptop-wars#comment Business Development Education Strategy Successful Models Telecommunications and IT Tue, 08 Jan 2008 10:47:32 -0500 Abigail Keene-Babcock 5047 at http://www.nextbillion.net